The Long Bar- opulent riverfront bar at Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok

January 21st, 2011

The Long Bar at Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok first opened in late 2010 as a venue within the hotel to offer both guests and Bangkok residents an option for relaxed drinks in an opulent setting and taking full advantage of the spectacular riverfront views overlooking the bustling river traffic on the Chao Phraya River flowing through downtown Bangkok. The bar is situated on the Lobby Level of the main hotel wing- and the space is defined by the “Long Bar” of 14+ metres that directly faces the soaring glass facade fronting the riverbank side of the building. The Long Bar interior has been designed by a leading international design firm- and this is evident in both the visual impact and the attention to stylistic details.

The luxurious decor is themed on subtle earth tones with color highlights of silk fabric covered soft furnishings. Candlelit lamps on tables and a rear wall of lantern type lights provide a soft, sensual lighting mood. Another interesting design feature is the use of full height metal mesh curtains to partially delineate spaces within the overall room. The design highlight however is the striking main bar that fronts the river facing glass walls- at 14m + metres long it has a significant presence- and with a glowing “honey” colored bar top and use of a mosiac of polished semi-precious gemstone- “Tiger Eye”- on the front panels and some tops of the counter, present a unique and distinctive style to the bar.

The drinks offerings at The Long Bar have been created to satisfy all tastes and requirements- from signature cocktails, standard cocktails, premium spirits, wines and champagnes and draught and bottled local and imported beers, and coffee mixes. In additional to the alcohol drinks there is a selection of healthy “booster” fruit juice drinks- based on recipes of organic ingredients rich in anti-oxidants and vitamins. One of the popular signature cocktails is named “FLIRT WITH ME”- and comprises raspberry vodka, cranberry, pineapple juice and rose petals. Another popular cocktail is the “LADY KISS”- a sweet combination of vanilla vodka, strawberry puree, vanilla syrup and double cream.

For bar snacks and appetizers, there is the “Long Bar Bites” menu- a selection of starters- including classic Italian anitpasti, fresh oysters, parma ham and melon, some cheeses, and also some Asian style dishes such as samosa and Thai style deep fried pork meatballs marinated in lime. The menu is updated on a monthly basis. Complimentary almonds and peanuts accompany the cocktails and other drinks.

The Long Bar has two generous “Happy Hour” sessions every evening- firstly for pre-dinner drinks and then later in the evening for relaxing with after-dinner cocktails. Sunset is always a great time to watch the transition from daylight to evening, with the lights on the river boats providing a non-stop spectacle.
A local 3 piece band provides musical entertainment nightly from 6 pm to 11:45 pm- with a repertoire of numbers from light jazz through to contemporary ballads.